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How long should I sit my baby up after breastfeeding?

Understanding Post-Breastfeeding Positioning for Babies
When it comes to caring for your baby after breastfeeding, one common concern among new parents is how long to keep their little one in an upright position. This practice is often recommended to help prevent issues such as reflux and to promote better digestion.
Why Sitting Up Matters
After breastfeeding, it is generally advised to hold your baby in an upright position for about 20 to 30 minutes. This timeframe allows gravity to assist in keeping the milk down and can help reduce the likelihood of spitting up. Babies have immature digestive systems, and sitting them up can facilitate the movement of milk through their stomachs, minimizing discomfort and potential reflux.
How to Position Your Baby
There are several ways to hold your baby upright after feeding. You can opt for a gentle burping position, where you support their chin and back while they rest against your shoulder. Alternatively, you can sit them on your lap, supporting their back and head, allowing them to be in a more relaxed, upright posture. This not only aids digestion but also provides a comforting bonding experience between you and your baby.
Signs to Look For
While the 20 to 30-minute guideline is a good rule of thumb, it’s essential to pay attention to your baby’s cues. If they seem fussy or uncomfortable, they may need to be burped or adjusted. Conversely, if they appear sleepy and relaxed, it might be okay to let them rest in a more reclined position sooner.
Conclusion
In summary, keeping your baby upright for about 20 to 30 minutes after breastfeeding can significantly benefit their digestion and comfort. By observing your baby’s reactions and adjusting accordingly, you can create a nurturing environment that supports their needs during this crucial early stage of development.

Is it OK for newborn to sleep right after feeding?

Putting your baby to sleep
Your baby may go straight to sleep after a feed. When possible, put your baby down to sleep when they are drowsy but awake. This might help them fall asleep where they will be waking up. Your baby will be awake for 1 to 2 hours between sleeps.

What position is best for baby with gas pain?

Some positioning tips: Feed your baby as upright as possible; lay your child on their back and pedal their legs with your hands to help expel gas from below; if your child is awake after a feeding, place them on their belly. Increase tummy time.

Is it OK for baby to sleep right after breastfeeding?

There is physiological evidence that it is normal. When you breastfeed, a hormone called cholecystokinin (CCK) is released in your baby as they feed. This makes your baby sleepy which is why they often drift off during a feed.

How long to keep baby upright after breastfeeding?

Upright positioning is necessary for burping your baby after eating, and sometimes they like sleeping upright against your chest while you stand or sit. Instead of laying your baby down flat after feeding, keep them upright for about 30 minutes so gravity can help them digest their food.

Will my milk dry up if I only nurse at night?

breastfeeding at night can be important for keeping a mom’s long-term milk production steady and strong and may actually mean less pumping during the day for working moms?

How long after nursing can I lay my baby down?

Wait for signs of deep sleep before laying your baby down. This may take 20-30 minutes. It’s normal for baby to fall into a light sleep while nursing and still need additional time to fall into deep sleep. Consider it extra snuggling time!

Is it OK to elevate baby after feeding?

Hold your baby upright for 15 to 30 minutes after feeding. Avoid a lot of movement during and immediately after feeding. Slightly elevate the head of the baby’s crib so they can sleep with their heads slightly up.

What if baby doesn’t burp and falls asleep?

What to do in this case? A: If your baby falls asleep before burping, gently try to burp them while they are still drowsy. If unsuccessful, it’s generally okay to let them sleep without forcing a burp. Ensure a comfortable sleeping position to prevent discomfort, and try burping after the next feeding.

Should you put a newborn down straight after feeding?

put your baby down as soon as they’ve been fed and changed. not change your baby unless they need it.

Does holding a baby upright help with gas?

Hold baby upright after feeding
If your baby is prone to gas, try keeping them upright for about 30 minutes after eating, with their body straight, not seated. Avoid placing your infant on their back right after feeding.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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